Articles On Tap:

Contact Us

Belichick Owes Patriot Fans an Explanation

Patriot Coach Bill Belichick is notorious for not
providing information to the media explaining the reasons for his decisions concerning
team matters such as game plans and roster decisions. When questioned by the media about such
decisions, Belichick often reverts to a generic response such as “it was best
for the team” or “it gave us the best chance to win”.

Photo Courtesy of bostonglobe.com

Belichick has earned a pass from Patriot fans thanks
in large part to his unprecedented run of success, highlighted by five Super
Bowl Championships in his 18 seasons as Head Coach and de facto General
Manager. Fans have faith that Belichick’s
decisions, while sometimes questionable to even the most knowledgeable fan, are
made for the sole purpose to win championships. The phrase “In Bill We Trust” has been borne
of this absolute confidence in his genius level football I.Q.

The confidence of Patriots fans was dealt a severe
blow on Super Bowl Sunday when Belichick chose to remove Malcolm Butler from
the team’s defensive game plan. Belichick
benched Butler not just from the starting line-up, but for the entire game. Belichick decided the former All-Pro cornerback
could not contribute whatsoever to a Patriot defense that was at best respectable
and sometimes atrocious during the 2017 season.
While Butler’s play took a noticeable downturn during the regular
season, he played in all 16 games in the regular season and started 15. Yet, in the biggest game of the season, the
game for which Belichick often states is the team’s sole goal to win, Belichick
decided Butler’s talents were of no value to the team.

New England fans can not excuse Belichick for this
decision, which arguably cost the team its sixth championship. Belichick’s explanation of doing “what gave
the team the best chance to win” simply does not cut it for this game. We can accept that explanation for a regular
season game against Cleveland, but not in the Super Bowl. We need to know why the Butler was passed over
for the likes of Jordan Richards and Johnson Bademosi. Patriot fans have invested too much passion
in this team to not get an explanation for this move.

Follow Bill on Twitter @BTravers_BSoT.

Questions, comments, or ideas for the weekly podcast?
Use @BostonSportsTap or #AskOnTap